The Storm Damage Dilemma: What Every Vermont Homeowner Should Know"

It was 3 AM when the sound hit - like someone was throwing baseballs at our house. That late April hailstorm had arrived with a vengeance, and by morning, our quiet Williston neighborhood looked like a warzone of dented cars and scattered branches. But it wasn't until I spotted the golf ball-sized dents on our roof vents that I realized: we might have bigger problems than just a battered azalea bush.

Like most Vermonters, I'm no stranger to extreme weather. But actual storm damage? That was new territory. Should I call my insurance first? Get a tarp up there? How urgent was this really? In my panic-Googling at dawn, I stumbled across Vermont Custom Exteriors' Service Areas page - and unexpectedly found my storm damage survival guide.

What made this resource different was how it addressed our specific regional concerns:

• The "Vermont Twist": They explained how hail damage here often gets overlooked until leaks develop months later

• Emergency Protocol: Clear steps for temporary protection (including why some DIY fixes can void warranties)

• Local Insight: A map showing which towns typically get hit hardest by different storm types

Here's what I learned the hard way:

1. Document Everything Immediately

   • I took 57 photos before even calling my insurance - including close-ups of granule loss in gutters

   • Pro tip: Put a coin next to dents for scale in photos

2. Beware the Storm Chasers

   • By noon, three out-of-state trucks were offering "free inspections"

   • Vermont Custom Exteriors' warning about unlicensed contractors saved me from signing with a shady Florida crew

3. It's Not Just About Shingles

   • Our adjuster found $2,300 in hidden damage to flashing and vents I would've missed

The Unexpected Silver Lining

This ordeal taught me to actually understand my homeowner's policy. Did you know most Vermont policies have separate wind/hail deductibles? Or that some roofing materials qualify for insurance discounts?

Now when storms roll in, I have a plan:

✅ Keep tarps and plywood on hand

✅ Have my roofer's emergency number saved (not just the office line)

✅ Know exactly where my policy documents are

That April storm cost us $500 out of pocket after insurance - but the education was priceless. And when the next big one hits? I'll be ready.

Tags: #StormDamage #VermontWeather #RoofRepair #Homeowners #DisasterPrep